Published 7:00 pm, Thursday, June 19, 2008

By Ruth Campbell

Staff Writer

Midland ISD Superintendent Sylvester Perez on Thursday urged Gov. Rick Perry to update the education funding formula and increase funds for the state high school allotment program, technology and early childhood expansion.

Because of House Bill 1, passed in the last session, even as land valuations go up, the state still provides the same money it did in 2005-06.

"We're trying to do the right thing by our kids, but the state has to step up and revisit antiquated formulas," Perez said. "Also, if we don't do something soon with the next legislative session, we'll be working with numbers and revenue that are five and six years old."

Perez was one of five representatives - from school districts or in the education business - meeting privately with Perry in his office. Along with his requests, Perez told Perry about some of the programs he's implemented in Midland to help curb the dropout rate.

"The governor is interested to see what we're doing," Perez said. High school allotment, which provides ,275 per student, is supposed to be dedicated to programs that promote high school completion and college readiness.

One of Perry's concerns, Perez said, is the number of students in remedial - also known as developmental - courses.

Methods Perez is using at MISD - and has used at other districts - to prevent dropouts are the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program, A-Plus program, an online credit accrual program and the Pathfinder Academy at Coleman High School, where kids commit to stay at the alternative campus for their high school careers.

"I think there is a sense of urgency by the governor and we're very pleased that the speaker (Tom Craddick, R-Midland) has been soliciting information from our teachers to ensure we provide the necessary resources for all students," Perez said.

He said MISD will request to be part of a pilot program to impact more youngsters and provide an accountability piece that will "validate and justify why we need more dollars in the classroom."

Perez would like high school allotment funds upped to ,500 per student and technology funding hiked from ,30 to ,50 per average daily attendance. On early childhood, it cost MISD ,210,000 to add 100 students to the program.

"The state needs to step up, not the local school districts," Perez said.

Those in the meeting with Perez were Larry Hutto, a partner in Educational Technology Learning, which provides the A Plus program, Lura Davidson, a consultant, Deborah Goforth, at-risk coordinator at San Angelo ISD and author of "Scars of Love, Tears of Hope," and Ed Tweedie, partner in Educational Technology Learning on implementation of A Plus strategies.

As a side note, the Texas Education Agency will hold a public hearing on a dropout recovery pilot program from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 25, at the Capitol Extension Auditorium in Austin.